For UK applicants applying for visas or residency overseas, an ACRO police certificate is usually the correct document. A DBS check is built for UK employers and organisations, and foreign authorities often refuse it. Always confirm the exact wording on the embassy or consulate’s own guidance, and allow time for an apostille.
TL;DR:
- If an embassy explicitly accepts a basic DBS disclosure, get that confirmation in writing; standard and enhanced DBS checks require eligible roles and an organisation.
- ACRO standard processing takes up to 20 working days; premium processing offers a two working day option, but apostille and international delivery add time.
- Ask the embassy whether the certificate must fall within a specific period before ordering, because an older document may need to be replaced.
- Check whether the destination requires an apostille, then arrange it through the FCDO after the certificate arrives or ask ACRO about direct routing.
Table of Contents
- What is an ACRO police certificate and when do you need one?
- What is a DBS check, and who can ask for one?
- What are the key differences that matter for visa and residency applications?
- Which should you use for your visa or residency scenario?
- How long do checks take, and what do they cost?
- How do you apply for an ACRO police certificate?
- How do you get a DBS or basic disclosure if a UK body asks for one?
- How we advise clients on police certificate evidence
- How can MNS Solicitors help with urgent visa and document preparation?
- FAQ
- Sources
What is an ACRO police certificate and when do you need one?
ACRO is the UK’s criminal records office for international purposes. According to Gov, ACRO police certificates are the designated UK criminal record documents for visa, residency and citizenship applications, while DBS checks are for domestic use. You can read about the service on the ACRO Criminal Records Office site.
In practice, this means:
- Embassies and consulates may ask for an ACRO certificate when a form requests a “police certificate” or “certificate of good conduct”.
- The certificate is intended for international use.
- Any individual can apply for one for personal immigration needs, without an employer or sponsor, according to ACRO guidance.
- A premium service exists for urgent deadlines, which we cover later in this article.
If you are heading to the Gulf, country-specific rules matter too. This guide to UAE police clearance for residency shows how requirements differ by destination and nationality.
What is a DBS check, and who can ask for one?
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) serves England and Wales. It issues three levels of check, each showing more than the last:
- Basic: Anyone can apply, with no specific eligibility criteria, according to DBS guidance.
- Standard: available for eligible roles only.
- Enhanced: available for eligible roles only.
Standard and enhanced checks are available only for eligible roles. Organisations can check the DBS eligibility guidance to assess whether a role qualifies. Organisations assess this using the DBS eligibility guidance.
Scotland has its own system. Disclosure Scotland issues basic and higher level disclosures under Scottish law. In short, DBS is an employer-facing tool, not an immigration document.
What are the key differences that matter for visa and residency applications?
Immigration authorities care about acceptance, eligibility and paperwork. On those points the two documents diverge sharply:
- International use: ACRO certificates are designated UK criminal record documents for international purposes, while DBS checks are for domestic use.
- Who can request them: ACRO is open to any individual. Standard and enhanced DBS checks are restricted to eligible roles and requested by an organisation, so you could not obtain them for a visa even if you wanted to.
- Apostille handling: Check the receiving authority’s instructions to find out whether an apostille is required and how to arrange it.
- Format: ACRO certificates are designated for international use, whereas DBS checks are for domestic use.
The sensible default is therefore simple: choose the document the destination country was built to accept. A DBS basic disclosure is not worthless, but it is a fallback that you should only use when the receiving authority has said so explicitly.
Which should you use for your visa or residency scenario?
Whatever the application, the starting rule is the same. Where a form or embassy asks for a police certificate or certificate of good conduct, request an ACRO certificate.
Scenarios we see often:
- Family and partner visas abroad: the receiving embassy usually names the document. Follow its wording exactly.
- Work visas: employers overseas typically ask for a police certificate covering your time in the UK, which points to ACRO.
- Long-term residency or citizenship: requirements are stricter, and a certificate is often part of a wider evidence bundle. If you are also dealing with UK-side applications, our posts on good character for citizenship and the ILR requirements checklist show how police evidence fits in.
If an embassy explicitly accepts a DBS basic disclosure, get that confirmation in writing and follow their instructions to the letter. Then work through this checklist:
- Check the embassy or consulate guidance for the exact document name.
- Order your ACRO certificate in good time, allowing for processing.
- Check whether the destination requires an apostille.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Pro Tip: Ask the embassy whether the certificate must have been issued within a particular period before you order. A certificate outside that period may need replacing.
How long do checks take, and what do they cost?
Timing is where applications most often go wrong, so build it into your plan from the start.
- Basic DBS: averages around 3 days.
- Standard or enhanced DBS: typically around 14 days, and these are employer-led.
- ACRO standard service: up to 20 working days.
- ACRO premium service: a 2-working-day option is available for urgent deadlines.
According to Gov, ACRO standard processing takes up to 20 working days, while a basic DBS check averages around 3 days. Faster does not mean more useful: the quicker document is the one overseas authorities may refuse.
For employers, GOV.UK lists fees for standard and enhanced checks. Check the ACRO site for its current charges before you apply. Remember to leave extra time for the apostille and international postage, as each adds days that a visa deadline may not forgive.
How do you apply for an ACRO police certificate?
Check the ACRO application guidance for the current application process.
- Go to the ACRO Criminal Records Office website and start a police certificate application.
- Gather your identity documents, such as a passport and proof of address, and check the exact requirements on the site.
- Say why you need the certificate and which country it is for, since this affects how it is prepared.
- Choose standard or premium processing, then pay and select your delivery method.
- If the destination requires an apostille, arrange it with the FCDO as soon as the certificate arrives, or ask ACRO about routing it directly.
Pro Tip: Follow ACRO’s instructions about the details and documents to include in your application.
How do you get a DBS or basic disclosure if a UK body asks for one?
If a UK employer or organisation asks for a check, the route depends on the level:
- Basic disclosure: you can apply yourself, and Gov explains how.
- Standard or enhanced: the application route depends on the role’s eligibility and the applicable process. Check the DBS application guidance.
- Unsure about eligibility: raise it with the requesting organisation, or take legal advice before you pay for anything.
How we advise clients on police certificate evidence
We routinely tell clients to order an ACRO certificate for any overseas visa or residency need, and to read the embassy instructions before they spend a penny. In our experience, delays rarely come from the application itself. They come from apostille logistics and a certificate ordered too late. If your record is complex or your deadline is tight, speak to us early.
— michelle
How can MNS Solicitors help with urgent visa and document preparation?
We offer an urgent visa application service and solicitor-led document preparation. Contact us when an embassy deadline is close, when your criminal record needs careful handling, or when apostille arrangements are unclear. Our fees page sets out our fixed pricing, so you know the cost before you instruct us.
FAQ
What is the difference between DBS and ACRO checks?
An ACRO certificate is the UK document designed for international use, such as visas and residency. A DBS check is for domestic use, usually requested by UK employers. Foreign authorities often reject DBS checks.
What is a DBS called in Scotland?
Scotland uses Disclosure Scotland, which issues basic and higher level disclosures under Scottish law. If you live in Scotland, you apply to it rather than to the DBS. Overseas visa applicants should still check whether an ACRO certificate is the document required.
Can I look up someone’s criminal record in the UK?
No, you cannot look up another person’s record freely. Standard and enhanced DBS checks are limited to eligible roles and requested by organisations, and a basic disclosure is normally applied for by the person concerned. Eligibility is set by the DBS eligibility guidance.
How much does an overseas police check cost?
Fees change, so check the current charges on the ACRO website before you apply. A premium service is available if you need faster processing, and an apostille is a separate step with its own cost.
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